Buying Tips
There is certainly numerous factors to take into account when purchasing a forklift. Deciding on the best machinery could have a huge impact on everything from production to operating costs, to equipment downtime and employee morale.
Here is a brief list of factors to think about when deciding on a new or used forklift. There is certainly some specific questions the sales consultant should address in order to help you choose the best alternative which is right for your business.
Step 1: Identify Your Requirements
Making the time to identify your requirements would help ensure that you could find a capable equipment. What size are your average loads? Are they 3,000 pounds to 35,000 pounds or even heavier? How many hours every day would you be utilizing this machinery? Would you be running the machine outdoors or indoors or possibly both? How wide are your narrowest aisles to travel through? Answering these questions correctly would make sure that you are satisfied with the unit you select.
Step2: Brand new Vs. Used Forklifts
If you are planning to use your lift truck more than 4 hours a day, you will probably want to buy a brand new unit. The warranty benefits alone would truly be handy. A second-hand alternative would probably be enough for infrequent applications and light duty.
Step 3: Fuel Options
Normally, the large batteries which power electric lift trucks can run for an 8 hour shift. The electric models are best suited for indoor use since they produce no harmful emissions. Though electric models are generally more pricey compared to different other kinds of forklifts, they have less operating costs. Electric lift trucks are a lot quieter to run and do not have fuel storage requirements to think about. Also, these types of equipment have less moving parts so they have a longer life span as they have less parts to get worn down.
The electric forklift is not without its downsides though. These machinery need recharging posts which could take as long as 8 hours th charge. There is an additional 8 hours needed for cooling. Recent innovations have made their way onto the market in order to significantly reduce charging time. The fast-charge technology has become a great new thing.
Step 4: Tire Choice
Lift Trucks are equipped with either pneumatic or air-filled, inflated tires or cushion tires that are made up of solid rubber. There is certainly also solid pneumatic tires which are a combination of the two. The pneumatic tire type is great to be used outside. Cushion tires are perfect to be used inside and solid pneumatic tires are the best alternative for dangerous work environments where there is potential for standard tires being popped by sharp objects on rough terrain.